A compact camping trailer with the timeless teardrop shape and smart features for a new generation of camping enthusiast, the Bean Trailer is a customized towable tiny home for on- or off-road adventure. Its simple but smart construction ensures that road trippers and off-road adventurers will be able to drive farther and enjoy their time at camp more.

When we stumbled upon the Bean Trailer, it was its smooth teardrop shape, contrast edge moldings, and voluptuous, 1940s coupe-like fenders that caught our eye. The 14-foot (4.3-m – tongue tip to tail, 9.6-ft/2.9-m body length) trailer is a clean take on one of the purest, most beloved vehicle forms out there.

Beyond that, the Bean is also a smart, distinctive caravan that customizes right up to your specific needs. The basic package starts with a powder-coated tubular steel frame topped with the fiberglass teardrop shell and removable fiberglass fenders. That frame rolls on a pair of 14-in steel wheels cushioned by a torsion axle suspension. A 13-in spare tire is mounted underneath.

The trailer body has a curbside entry door with port window, left- and right-side windows and a rear galley hatch. Inside the insulated cabin, the 4-in-thick (10-cm) queen-size mattress can lay flat or slide up and convert into a sofa-like cushioned seat. Cabinets, integrated floor storage, adjustable shelves, storage bins and cup holders help keep everything organized and in its place. Also standard are a dome light, roof vent and foam backrest.

One clever feature of the Bean design is a pass-through between the cabin and galley, which the chef outside can use to pass along his or her creations to the campmate(s) inside.

The Bean interior includes a handy pass-through between cabin and galley

The greater galley starts out in a very basic package that includes cabinetry, a dome hatch light, laminate countertop, 12V and AC outlets, tie-downs and a backsplash. Buyers can upgrade to a more complete kitchen with options like a sink, slide-out cooler/fridge tray with or without Norcold fridge/freezer, built-in or removable propane stove options, and stainless steel countertop.

A look at the Bean Trailer galley

The Bean comes standard with a 12-V, 100-Ah AGM battery, shore power hookup, power converter, solar power port, and AC and USB outlets. Along with the standard cabin and galley lights, there's also a standard porch light above the door/window.

The entry level Bean package carries a retail price of US$18,995, and buyers can upgrade via several packages and standalone options. In addition to the galley options mentioned, buyers can check individual option boxes for interior accent lighting, Bluetooth speakers, a fan, roof rails and more. The Bean looks particularly good with a hardshell roof-top tent mounted to the roof rails for double the sleeping capacity.

Bean trailer

Buyers can also opt for the $19,995 Premium Bean, which includes dual entry doors, a front window or skylight, maple wood cabinetry in place of white laminate, and aluminum 14-in wheels, among a few other modifications.

Where the Bean gets really interesting, in our humble, trail-loving opinion, is with the Mean and Meaner Bean off-road packages. For $1,935, the Mean Bean adds stand-atop aluminum fenders with slip/scuff-resistant finish, an angled torsion axle for an extra 2 inches (5 cm) of ground clearance (12 in/30 cm total), 15-in wheels all wrapped up in all-terrain tires, a front-mounted full-size spare, a front storage rack, and an aluminum battery box in place of the standard fiberglass box.

The Mean Bean package includes a full-size spare, all-terrain tires, a front gear tray and an aluminum battery box, among other upgrades

The $935 Meaner package, only available in conjunction with the Mean package, reinforces the frame with an added cross member and swaps in a Timbren axle-less suspension in place of the torsion axle, upping ground clearance to 15 in (38 cm).

Bean founder Mark Harling tells us that the base Bean weighs in at 1,500 lb (680 kg), the added ruggedness of the Mean Bean ups weight to 1,600 lb (725 kg), and the Meaner Bean's axle-less switch-out brings weight back down to 1,500 lb.

After showing its trailer at the Utah RV show in February, Bean made its official launch this past weekend, releasing pricing and sales information. The Utah-based company has also chosen Terry's RV in the Salt Lake metro area as a distribution partner.

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Chris joined the New Atlas team in 2011 and now serves as the automotive and campers editor, traveling extensively to gather the latest news on cars, outdoor sports gear and other innovations designed to help people experience and enjoy the greater world around them.

2 comments

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Tom Lee MullinsApril 11, 2018 12:15 AM

This seems similar to the T@B or T@G teardrop trailer. It seems roomier than some of the teardrops that I have seen online.

BobApril 16, 2018 06:48 PM

Too small and too expensive. A 19 foot travel trailer with heating ,air, a real bathroom and kitchen along with a sofa and beds can be had for around $12,000. It will take a little more vehicle to pull it but it provides all the conveniences of living off line in comfort.